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Our school turned yellow as young minds focused on mental health.

Epping St John’s Church of England School took part in the Hello Yellow themed day, organised by the Young Minds charity.

Students wore yellow and donated £1 to the charity which is raising awareness of young people’s mental health and the support available to them.

They listened to an assembly on the importance of good mental health and were introduced to the pastoral support time, so they know who to turn to when they need support.

Sessions were also held to give students strategies to cope with stress and anxiety, as well as giving them revision techniques to try.

Sarah Viccars, assistant headteacher, said: “Returning to school following lockdown is not easy, whether you are a Year 13 or a Year 7 student, so we felt it important to target all year groups.

“Our whole day was organised based entirely on student feedback – they wanted mental health support, both personally and academically, and they wanted to know where they could get this within the school.

“Whether suffering or not, mental health is discussed openly on social media and students need to be able to understand, empathise and support.

“Students reported feeling more confident in tackling mental health issues and revising as a result of the day.”

The day gave students an opportunity to spend time with their form tutors who they have been missing during the Covid-19 restrictions in schools as staggered starts have meant tutor time has been removed from the timetable.